How Much Does a Social Worker Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Social Worker in California is $81,728. While Salary.com is seeing that Social Worker salary in CA can go up to $96,952 or down to $65,871, but most earn between $73,427 and $89,697. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
$91,874
California
Per Year
Medical Social Worker (MSW)
$80,414
California
Per Year
Medical Social Worker (BSW)
$69,234
California
Per Year
Social Worker (MSW)
$82,304
California
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Social Worker by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Triage Staffing
Social Worker Social Worker
$74,293/yr
$66,247
$82,338
RANGE: $66,247 - $82,338
Sutter Delta Medical Center
Social Worker - Social Worker
$78,510/yr
$70,008
$87,013
RANGE: $70,008 - $87,013
$98,481/yr
$84,483
$112,478
RANGE: $84,483 - $112,478
$95,701/yr
$82,098
$109,304
RANGE: $82,098 - $109,304

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Social Worker Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Social Worker can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Social Worker job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Social Worker jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Social Worker positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Social Worker salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Social Worker salary is $93,457 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Social Worker salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Social Worker in California is $81,728, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Social Worker jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Social Worker jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $93,457 $7,788 $1,797 $45
Santa Clara $93,457 $7,788 $1,797 $45
Fremont $93,279 $7,773 $1,794 $45
San Francisco $92,538 $7,712 $1,780 $44
Daly City $92,538 $7,712 $1,780 $44
Berkeley $90,486 $7,540 $1,740 $44
Oakland $90,486 $7,540 $1,740 $44
Hayward $90,338 $7,528 $1,737 $43
Antioch $85,373 $7,114 $1,642 $41
Vallejo $83,358 $6,946 $1,603 $40

What Does a Social Worker Do?

Social workers have several professional associations that provide ethical guidance and other forms of support for their members and social work in general.
Updated November 29, 2021
Social workers work with many different populations and types of people, particularly focusing on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.
Updated November 15, 2021
The education of social workers begins with a bachelor's degree (BA, BSc, BSSW, BSW, etc.) or diploma in social work or a.
Updated October 06, 2021
Although some social workers only need a bachelor’s degree in social work, clinical social workers must have a master’s degree and 2 years of post-master’s experience in a supervised clinical setting.
Updated December 22, 2021
Social workers are professionals who aim to enhance overall well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of communities and people.
Updated December 19, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Social Worker Salaries

What is the average of a Social Worker in California?

The Social Worker salary range is from $73,427 to $89,697, and the average Social Worker salary is $81,728/year in California. The Social Worker's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Social Worker salary in the United States?

The Social Worker salary in San Jose, CA is $93,457 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Social Worker's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Social Worker.

What is the growth rate of the Social Worker's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Social Worker or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Social Worker.